L'Oréal Thailand announced four female researchers for 9th "For Women in Science" fellowships 2011"

This year's presentation ceremony is distinguished by the presence of Professor Dr Ada E. Yonath, who received the 2009 Nobel prize in Chemistry for studies of the structure and function of the ribosome and laureate of L'Oréal-UNESCO Award For Women in Science in 2008. The evening presentation ceremony takes place at Grand Ballroom, Grand Millennium Hotel on 7th September 2011.

To date, L'Oréal Thailand has given fellowships to 35 female scientists in Life Science and Material Science.  This year's fellowships in the Life Science category were awarded  to Dr Natini Jinawath from the Research Center, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, for her study in "Genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array as a clinical diagnostic tool for unexplained developmental disabilities and congenital anomalies" and to  Dr Saengchan Senapin National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) whose research focuses on the "Study of shrimp molecular biology using yeast two-hybrid technique."

In the Material Science category, fellowships were granted to Dr Uracha Ruktanonchai (Rungsardthong) from the National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC) for her contribution to "Development of Encapsulation technology based on lipid nano carriers for bio applications" and Assistant Professor Dr  Hathaikarn Manuspiya from the Petroleum and Petrochemical College, Chulalongkorn University for her study on the "Development of Mesoporous Materials for entrapping heavy metals and gases in packaging for a better quality of food and water."

Dr Natini Jinawath said "I have always been interested in genetic diseases. Currently, the world-wide incidence of mental retardation is about 3%.  Oftentimes, these abnormal phenotypes cannot be classified as any specific syndrome using the currently available genetic tests. With no diagnosis, the management of patients and families with unexplained genetic disorders is immensely challenging, both in therapy and prevention, which may result in the increased socioeconomic burden for the family. With accurate diagnosis and proper genetic counselling we can prevent reoccurrence of genetic diseases in affected families and provide long-term benefits for the families. My role model is my own mother (Assoc. Prof. Dr Supatra Jinawath, Named Professor, Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University). She is a dedicated researcher who teaches me that a good researcher must be proactive and willing to learn as the body of knowledge changes continuously." 

Dr Saengchan Senapin National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) also  a fellowship recipient in the Life Science category said, "The shrimp farming industry is very important for Thailand. This research will help control shrimp diseases and make shrimp cultivation a sustainable enterprise with minimum negative environmental impact. The results of this research can also be a model easily applied to other aquatic science. I would like Thailand to also become known for original research. My inspiration has long been His Majesty the King who is recognised worldwide for his own original research and his many initiatives that have improved the lives of Thai people."

Assistant Professor Dr Hathaikarn Manuspiya from the Petroleum and Petrochemical College, Chulalongkorn University a fellowship recipient in the Material Science category said, "My research emphasizes utilizing natural resources in the Thailand such as porous clay. This will enable us to not only add value to existing resources but also extend its benefits to the plastic industry by adding potential value to the active and smart packaging in various forms.  At present, Thailand has secured a leading position in Asia for production of plastic packaging and is known as one of the worlds' leading exporters of agricultural products particularly fruit. In 2011, the total value of fruit export alone has already reached 11.6 billion baht. The successful outcome of this research will help preserve the freshness of the agro-goods including food products, vegetables and fruit, resulting in substantial benefits to the industry."

Dr Uracha Ruktanonchai (Rungsardthong) from the National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC) also a fellowship recipient in the Material Science category said, "The main objective of this research is to study encapsulation technology to assist in controlling release characteristics, retention, and enhanced stability against heat, moisture and light of bioactive compounds. Effective encapsulation technology can help not only to save costs but also to provide better product performance. This research mainly focuses on materials and resources available in Thailand such as herbs, essential oils and proteins. Successful examples of  this research are nanoemulsion-based cream and chilli pads for arthritis patients, nanoemulsion for mosquito repellent, nanoparticle based on sugarcane bagasse, which can be beneficial not only to pharmaceutical , but also to food and agriculture industries by providing better efficacy, quality and safety for consumers. I hope my research can be of wide-reaching benefit, especially for Thai industrial sectors. Moreover, I would like my works to be an inspiration for young generation to have an interest in sciences; this would be my contribution to society".

Jean-François Couvé, Managing Director, L'Oréal Thailand, said, "As a proud supporter of this programme for nine consecutive years, we have recognised a total of 35 outstanding female scientists to date. On the international level, this fellowship programme has been running for 13 consecutive years with 1,086 female scientists from 103 countries across 5 continents honoured for their significant contributions to science. We are proud to continuously support the involvement of women in science. This year we are also privileged to have with us Nobel prize-winner and 2008 L'Oréal-UNESCO Award For Women in Science laureate, Professor Dr.  Ada E. Yonath. This year is also the centennial of the award of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry to that extraordinary female scientist, Marie Curie, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry. And 2011 is the UNESCO 'International Year of Chemistry'."

"L'Oréal is the world's number one beauty company, founded by French chemist Eugene Schueller who strongly believed in research and development. His philosophy was that science and technology is a key to a more rewarding life. It is also the origin of innovation of high quality and safe beauty products. Along the course of a centenary in business, L'Oréal has placed high emphasis on research and development. The L'Oréal group contributes around 30,000 million baht each year to support the work of more than 3,400 researchers of 60 nationalities working in the company's 18 research centres around the world."

The 'For Women in Science' fellowship programme is a collaboration between L'Oréal Thailand and the Secretariat of the National Commission for UNESCO. The fellowship programme was established in Thailand in 2002, offering four fellowships per year (two Material Science and two Life Science), valued at 200,000 baht per fellowship for female scientists and researchers aged between 25-40 years.